Washington Testate Estate Guidance
A “testate estate” generally means a person passed away leaving a valid will. In Washington, the will typically guides how probate assets are distributed and may name an executor (who serves as the personal representative once appointed).
Even with a will, probate may be required to transfer assets, handle creditor claims, and complete required court steps. Common issues include interpreting will provisions, dealing with omitted assets, coordinating non-probate transfers, and resolving disputes among heirs or beneficiaries.
Legal guidance can help ensure that the will is properly presented to the court, that notices and creditor procedures are followed, and that distributions are handled in compliance with Washington law and fiduciary duties.
Understand the Basics Before Starting Probate
Our experimental legal guidance chatbot provides general educational information about Washington probate for estates with a will, executor and personal representative duties, creditor claims, and common will interpretation questions.
Use it to get oriented, then schedule a consultation with Ruth for advice tailored to the will and estate you are administering.
Disclaimer: The chatbot provides general information only and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Individual circumstances require personalized legal advice.
About Ruth
Ruth Apahidean is a trusts and estates attorney at the Law Office of Neil R. Sarles. Her practice focuses on elder law, estate planning, and probate. She helps individuals and families plan for the management and transfer of their assets during life and after death.
This includes creating wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. She assists clients decide how assets should be distributed, who will make financial or medical decisions if the client becomes incapacitated, and how to protect beneficiaries such as minor children or family members with special needs.
Ruth guides individuals and families through the probate process (the court-supervised procedure used to settle a person’s estate after death). Her primary role is to assist the personal representative ensure that the deceased person’s assets are distributed according to a valid will or, if no will exists, in accordance with state law.
She has volunteered at Neighborhood Legal Clinics: Elder Law Clinic, the Washington First Responder Will Clinic, and Tacomaprobono Community Lawyers. Ruth is the Bar Talk Columnist for the King County Bar Association Bar Bulletin and the New Lawyer Liaison for the Washington State Bar Association Senior Lawyers Section.
Learn more about Ruth at https://www.sarles.com/.
Education:
- J.D., University of Washington School of Law
- B.A., History and English, University of Washington, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions:
- U.S. District Courts: Western District of Washington
- All Washington State Courts
Memberships:
- King County Bar Association
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or want to schedule a meeting, you can reach Ruth directly by email at ruth@sarles.com or using the form below.